PFL Standout Gadzhi Rabadanov: 'I Think the World Knows Me Now'

After continuing his dominant run and extending his winning streak to 12, 2024 Professional Fighters League champion Gadzhi Rabadanov believes the MMA world knows his name.

Taking on former UFC title challenger Kevin Lee in the PFL World Tournament Semifinals, Rabadanov picked up a first-round TKO victory, where he scored four knockdowns of Lee in just over two minutes of action.

The lightweight division is arguably one of the deepest and most talented divisions in all of MMA, and Rabadanov believes he’s cemented himself as one of the best in the world while representing the PFL. Following his victory that stamped his ticket to the World Tournament championship against Alfie Davis, Rabadanov believes he sent a message to the entire world of MMA.

Fighters only get one shot! Watch the Semifinals of the PFL World Tournament LIVE Friday, June 27 at 10:30 p.m. ET on ESPN and ESPN+


“Back in 2019, I missed weight a couple of times and I was out of action, so I thought about retiring,” he said. “Now five years later, I’m PFL champion, I’m here. I won the title last year. I’m back in a championship fight this year. I did a lot of work to get here. The PFL is a big promotion, one of the best, and I’m the champion here. I think the world knows me now.”

As the 2024 champion, Rabadanov could’ve sat back and waited for the promotion to find him a top contender, or he could’ve waited for the tournament to produce an opponent. Instead, fighter out of Dagestan, Russia, wanted to cement his legacy.

PFL's Rabadanov Confident He Ranks Among World's Best

“Being back here shows I didn’t think about the money. I only thought about my legacy and what I can do in the future,” he said. “I want to make my name so that when people talk about MMA, they remember my name. I want to make a big legacy, that’s my first focus. Of course money is good and can change my life, but first is my legacy. I want people to talk about me, I want the MMA world to talk about me. I really believe I’m one of the best lightweight fighters in the world right now.”

Rabadanov, who is now 26-4-2 in his career, is undefeated during his time with the PFL and has picked up a stoppage in his last four victories. After previously considering retirement, Rabadanov has taken his career to new heights and is now in consideration as one the best in the world.

Clocking in for work ✅

Gadzhi Rabadanov | Fight Night Ready #PFLWorldTournament | B2YB @Bose pic.twitter.com/lZhiQySWPl

— PFL (@PFLMMA) June 22, 2025